TOR - Technical Expert for Soil Testing Assignment in Bonkay, Baidoa, Southwest state

1.   Objective of the Assignment.

The main objective of carrying out soil testing is to generate accurate and site-specific information on the physical and chemical properties of the farmland soil in order to guide the successful introduction, cultivation, and management of new cash crops and vegetables. The results will inform evidence-based decisions on crop selection, soil fertility improvement, water use efficiency, and sustainable land management practices, ultimately enhancing productivity, climate resilience, and food and income security for displaced and host communities supported by SOS Children’s Villages Somalia.

3.   Scope of Work

The technical expert consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive soil assessment to support the introduction of new cash crops and vegetables under the climate-smart agriculture initiative in SOS Children’s Villages’ farmland in Baidoa. Total area of SOS children’s Villages Bonkay Farm is estimated to be 11.28 hectares, with a length of 215 meters and a width of 525 meters. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

• Conduct an inception meeting with SOS Children’s Villages Somalia to understand project goals, land use history, and current agricultural practices.
• Develop and submit a detailed work plan outlining the methodology, sampling framework, timeline, and required resources for the soil testing exercise.
• Identify representative sampling points across the farmland, ensuring spatial coverage of different soil conditions and farming zones.
• Collect soil samples following standard agronomic and environmental procedures (e.g., depth-specific, composite samples). Record GPS coordinates, topography, vegetation cover, and land use information at each sampling site.
• Conduct laboratory testing of collected soil samples to assess:

• pH level
• Macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
• Micronutrients (e.g., Zinc, Iron)
• Organic matter content
• Soil texture (sand, silt, clay composition)
• Electrical conductivity/salinity
• Cation exchange capacity (CEC)
• Soil moisture retention capacity
• Ensure all analyses are conducted in accredited laboratories using standard soil testing protocols.
• Facilitate a practical workshop or debriefing session with SOS CV technical staff, agronomists, and selected community members to explain soil test results and their implications.
• Provide simple guidance materials or factsheets for farmers on maintaining soil health.Top of Form

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4. Deliverables

·         Inception Report – Outline of methodology, sampling plan, and work schedule.

·         Soil Test Results – Raw and analyzed data from laboratory tests.

·         Final Comprehensive Report – Including Soil fertility status, Maps of soil variability (if applicable) and Recommendations for soil improvement and crop management

Presentation & Validation Workshop – Summary of findings for stakeholders

Consultant Qualifications

·         Advanced degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or related field.

·         Proven experience in soil testing, fertility mapping, and agricultural consultancy.

·         Familiarity with Somalia’s soil conditions (experience in Baidoa preferred).

·         Access to a certified soil laboratory (local or international).

·         Strong analytical and reporting skills.

6. Duration & Timeline

The assignment is expected to be completed within 45 working days commencing from the date of contracting, including fieldwork, lab analysis, and reporting

Submission of Proposals

Interested consultants/firms should submit:

·         Technical proposal (methodology, work plan, CVs of team members).

·         Financial proposal (itemized budget).

·         Samples of previous similar work.

·         Deadline for submission: 15th October 2025

Consultants should submit their completed applications documents in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the TOR reference number to the following address: [email protected]